4th SFAB will be first 'out of the chute’ to JRTC rotation in June ahead of Afghanistan...

SSG (Join to see) - You will be focused on training tactical tasks, but I want to describe the strategic environment you will face. It is food for thought. I firmly believe if we leave, there will be a civil war. Here are my thoughts regarding the military problems and strategic problems we encounter in Afghanistan:

- We often don't know where and who the Taliban are.
- To maneuver on the ground with vehicles requires flat land which is also the low land. The Taliban will occupy and fight from the high ground.
- If we don't occupy the land, the Taliban can occupy it, giving them the freedom to maneuver.
- It is impossible to provide security to most Afghans, so locals are often under Taliban control.
- The Taliban will use asymmetric warfare, thus giving them the element of surprise.
- It is impossible to control the country considering the size of it.
- Using a more flexible ROE will not impact the war. The Soviets were absolutely vicious but still lost the war.
- The true strength of the Taliban is their religion and desire to implement Sharia law. Ideology is immensely difficult to combat.

THERE IS A TRINITY TO WAR TO HELP DEFINE IT. It consists of the military acumen, passion of the people, and legitimate government. I would like you to remember this Trinity.

- Military's Acumen: How effective is the Afghan military?
- Passion of the People: Will the passion of the people rise to the occasion to oust the Taliban? I say not. The Taliban control vast areas of the country.
- Legitimacy of the Government: Do Afghans consider the government legitimate? Is the government for the people? Is it corrupt? Does it govern rationally?

Now that I have discussed the trinity. I tell you to apply the trinity to the American Independence of War. Then you will see the validity of the trinity.

I hope this makes you a better NCO and trainer. Tactical units rarely get a strategic perspective, and I hope this will make you a more rounded warrior.

SSG (Join to see) - Does it make sense about the strategic perspective?

MAJ Ken Landgren yes sir thank you. I had a faint understanding of it. When I served in the 173rd our command teams emphasized smaller levels understanding the big picture on an operational level and sometimes strategic. I hope this deployment is great for them in terms of successfully completing their tasked mission.

SSG (Join to see) - Remember what I wrote. I am not trying to brag, but it will give you a perspective many of your peers do not have. I trust you will do well and will return safely back to us.